New licensing legislation comes into force today under the Scottish Licensing Act 2005. The changes mean that anyone can ask a licensing board to review the licence of any place that sells alcohol. Additionally irresponsible drinks promotions will be banned, alcohol must be sold in separate areas in supermarkets and pub customers will be entitled to free tap water.
Fergus Ewing, Minister for Community Safety, said:"The 2005 Act clearly sets out the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, securing public safety, preventing public nuisance, protecting and improving public health and protecting children from harm. These are the key things both boards and licensees must aim to achieve.
"There's no doubt that the sale of alcohol affects those who live in the area. That's why it's important that anyone will now be able to object to a new application for a licence.
"They will also be able to request the licensing board review an existing licence. This will be of particular benefit to those who live near noisy or nuisance premises - they will now be able to ask the board to take action."This will play a part in re-balancing Scotland's relationship with alcohol and we will build on this with our plans to further tackle the culture of alcohol misuse by introducing a minimum price for a unit of alcohol."
But Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said in view of the planned alcohol bill that could introduce pricing measures:
“We hope that Scottish Ministers, properly concerned to tackle those who are drinking excessively, will consider the impact of new rules on responsible consumers before ploughing ahead with yet more legislation on alcohol.”
Jack Law, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, backed the licensing changes as an important move to improve health, and that the UK should consider similar measures. The reforms have also prompted calls in Wales for the UK to follow suit.
The Scottish Government website has further details.
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